Originally Posted by
billdsd
I assume you've already checked out maps of the area (Google maps are pretty good). Sometimes with exploring you can find some amazing routes that aren't obvious from maps. The maps don't always make the hills obvious either. There's no substitute for a bit of exploring by bike. Test runs on the weekend are an excellent idea. It sounds like you're on the right track.
I've had a lot of fun over at mapmyride playing with various routes and using their "elevation view" tool to see where the route goes up and downhill. I've been able to find some routes that changed the grade even if the overall altitude change was not alterable.